Stunning Hiking in Nepal For Amazing Travel Memories

Nepal is notorious for its challenging treks and massive peaks, but it also has a varied range of beautiful hiking opportunities. These shorter trips and one-day walks are ideal for people looking for a taste of adventure, cultural engagement, and natural beauty without committing to a long-term vacation. Despite being shorter than normal treks or short treks, each one-day trip gives a one-of-a-kind adventure in the Himalayas.

Nagarkot Day Hike Trail
The Nagarkot Day Hike Trail, nestled near Kathmandu, is an excellent day hike for people looking for tranquility and beauty in nature. It offers stunning vistas of the Himalayan peaks at sunrise and dusk, as well as lovely rural towns and terraced fields. Nagarkot Day Hike, located just a day’s drive from Kathmandu, offers the ideal blend of cultural immersion and pure natural beauty.

Hiking Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Location: Nagarkot
Hiking Route: Sankhu – Nagarkot
Hiking Duration: 5 – 6 hours/ 14 km
Maximum Elevation: 2, 175 m
Beautiful Viewpoints: Nagarkot Rural Villages, Nagarkot Viwepoint, & Terraced Field
Mountains Visible: Everest, Lantang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu

Shivapuri Day Hike Trail
The Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park in Kathmandu’s northern section has the Shivapuri Day Hike Trail, which begins at Budhanilkantha Temple and finishes at Bagdwar, the source of the Bagmati River. People also start the Shivapuri Day Hike from Sundarijal, following both the entrance to the Shivapuri National Park and the flow of the Bagmati River to reach the river’s source, Bagdwar. It passes through beautiful woodlands and offers a unique opportunity to explore both nature and local culture. The trip provides a striking contrast between busy Kathmandu and peaceful forest, with Bagdwar standing out for its ecological and cultural significance.

Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Kathmandu
Hiking Route: Budhanilkantha – Bagdwar / Sundarijal – Bagdwar
Hiking Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Maximum Elevation: 2, 800 m
Beautiful Viewpoints: Budhanilkantha Temple, Lush forests, Bagdwar, Panoramic Ktm Valley views, and Nagi Gumba
Mountains Visible: Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna and Manaslu

Chisapani Day Hike Trail
The Chisapani Day Hike Trail, found north of Kathmandu, winds through lush woodlands, beautiful waterfalls, and charming towns before rewarding hikers with panoramic Himalayan views and a taste of local life. The Chisapani Day Hike, located a day’s drive from Kathmandu, provides a peaceful tour through diverse landscapes as well as cultural immersion.

Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Kathmandu
Hiking Route: Sundarijal – Chisapani
Hiking Duration: 4 – 6 hours
Beautiful Viewpoints: Sundarijal’s waterfalls, lush forests, Shivapuri National Park, Dhap Dam, Chisapani’s serene landscapes
Mountains Visible: Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Jugal Himal

Sarangkot Day Hike Trail
A delightful one-day trek near Pokhara, the Sarangkot Day Hike Trail combines the beauty of rural towns, terraced fields, and breathtaking dawn and sunset views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain ranges. This climb incorporates cultural activities as well as natural beauty, making it an ideal day excursion from Pokhara. Sarangkot Day Hike, just a day’s drive from Pokhara, provides an ideal blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion.

Hiking Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Location: Pokhara, Kaski
Hiking Route: Pokhara – Sarangkot
Hiking Duration: 3 – 4 hours / 10 km
Maximum Elevation: 1,700 m
Beautiful Viewpoints: Charming villages, terraced fields, Panoramic Sarangkot view of Pokhara with different lakes, Sarangkot viewpoint with Annapurna and Machapuchare sunrise and sunset views
Mountains Visible: Annapurna and Machapuchare ranges

Dahachowk Day Hike Trail
The Dahachowk Day Hike Trail near Kathmandu provides views of beautiful farmlands, rural settlements, and ancient Newari architecture, giving visitors an insight into Nepal’s rich cultural history. Dahachowk provides travelers with a taste of rural living and authentic Newari culture. The Dahachowk Day Hike offers a tranquil retreat from the city, offering cultural insights and quiet countryside scenery.

Hiking Difficulty: Easy
Location: Lalitpur
Hiking Route: Naikap Football Ground / Totitol Chowk – Dahachowk
Hiking Duration: 5 – 6 hours / 8 km
Maximum Elevation: 1,870 m
Beautiful Viewpoints: Rural landscapes, Terraced fields, Dahachowk’s traditional Newari architecture, Kalu Pandey Memorial Park, Dahan pond and Chandragiri Forest

Pulchowki Day Hike Trail
The Godavari Botanical Garden serves as the starting point for the Pulchowki Day Hike Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The trek is perfect for birdwatchers and wildlife aficionados since it immerses you in nature. A refreshing day among Nepal’s abundant wildlife.

Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Lalitpur
Hiking Route: Godavari Botanical Garden – Pulchowki
Hiking Duration: 7 – 8 hours / 14 km
Maximum Elevation: 2,791 m
Beautiful Viewpoints: Godavari Botanical Garden, Lush rhododendron forests, and Phulchowki summit with panoramic Kathmandu Valley views
Mountains Visible: Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Annapurna ranges

Dulikhel to Namo Buddha Day Hike Trail
The Dulikhel to Namo Buddha Day Hike Trail, located near Dhulikhel, mixes tranquil natural settings with cultural inquiry by taking hikers through the ancient settlement of Dhulikhel and the Namo Buddha Monastery. The Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha Hike is a tranquil day excursion from Kathmandu that provides insight into Nepal’s history and culture.

Hiking Difficulty: Easy
Location: Dhulikhel
Hiking Route: Dhulikhel – Namo Buddha
Hiking Duration: 4 -5 hours / 10 km
Maximum Elevation: 1,750 m
Beautiful Viewpoints: Dhulikhel’s ancient town, Namo Buddha Monastery, and Serene landscapes

Australian Camp Day Hike Trail
The Australian Camp Day Hike Trail near Pokhara offers a well-rounded experience for nature and culture aficionados, traveling through dense forest, traditional villages, and offering views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain ranges. The Australian Camp Day Hike is a fascinating tour through lush nature and indigenous culture that is only a day’s drive from Pokhara.

Hiking Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Location: Dhulikhel
Hiking Route: Kande – Australian Camp
Hiking Duration: 4 – 5 hours / 9 km
Maximum Elevation: 2,060 m
Beautiful Viewpoints: Picturesque forests, traditional villages, Australian Camp viewpoint with Annapurna and Machapuchare views
Mountains Visible: Annapurna and Machapuchare ranges

Gosaikunda Day Hike Trail
The Gosaikunda Day Hike Trail in Langtang National Park’s Rasuwa area leads to the world-famous Gosaikunda Lake, which is surrounded by alpine beauty and is revered for its spiritual importance. The walk takes on religious importance because Gosaikunda is considered a holy lake in Hindu mythology. By blending spiritual/religious importance with natural beauty, the Gosaikunda Day Hike offers a one-of-a-kind and satisfying experience.

Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Langtang National Park, Rasuwa
Hiking Route: Chandanwari – Gosaikunda
Hiking Duration: 6 -7 hours
Maximum Elevation: 4,380m
Beautiful Viewpoints: Gosaikunda Lake, Langtang’s pristine surroundings, and Himalayan views.
Mountains Visible: Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Annapurna ranges

Kakani Day Hike Trail
The Kakani Day Hike Trail, near Kathmandu, provides a peaceful trip through the countryside as well as a peek of local culture. It passes through peaceful rural regions and agricultural landscapes interspersed with charming villages, offering stunning views of the Ganesh Himal and Langtang mountain ranges. It is well-known for strawberry harvesting, rainbow trout meals, and Rhododendron woodland and flavored liquor.

Hiking Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Location: Kathmandu
Hiking Route: Kaule – Gurje Bhanjyang
Hiking Duration: 7 – 8 hours
Maximum Elevation: 2,070 m
Beautiful Viewpoints: Serene hillside vistas, Picturesque villages, Views of Ganesh Himal and Langtang range.
Mountains Visible: Ganesh Himal and Langtang range